Rockwell painting of Red Sox heads to NYC auction

Norman Rockwell's 1957 painting, "The Rookie (Red Sox Locker Room)" shows, pitcher Frank Sullivan, right fielder Jackie Jensen and catcher Sammy White, second baseman Billy Goodman and Hall of Famer Ted Williams.

NEW YORK  — A New York City auctioneer says a Norman Rockwell painting of Boston Red Sox players could bring up to $30 million.

The painting appeared on the cover of the March 2, 1957, issue of the Saturday Evening Post. The title is: “The Rookie (Red Sox Locker Room).” Christie’s is offering it May 22 with a pre-sale estimate of $20 million to $30 million.

The painting shows pitcher Frank Sullivan, right fielder Jackie Jensen, catcher Sammy White, second baseman Billy Goodman and Hall of Famer Ted Williams.

The anonymous owner acquired it in 1986.

The painting was exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston in 2005 and 2008.

In December, Rockwell’s 1951 “Saying Grace” sold at Sotheby’s for $46 million. It set an action record for the artist.